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Dawlish although
the origins of Dawlish appear to-date from the 10th, century , it is
believed from a scattering of artifacts and Roman coins found,
that the area was indeed inhabited in the 4th, or 5th, century. And
given
its sheltered position, and everything that the
early settler would need, ie...fish from the nearby sea, salt marches,
and woodland that would
provide not only fuel, but building materials, and also food from
hunting. It certainly
seem this was a logical location to build a successful settlement. The
first written records of a settlement record: in
1044, King Edward the Confessor granted the manor
of Dawlish to his chaplain a man by the name of Leofric, he was a
highly
important and learned man, equivalent in rank to a Secretary of State
today.
Dawlish remained a small quiet unimportant little place till the 18th
century. Then like all the resorts of the West Country, it was
discovered by the Victorians. Which was due in no small part
to the coming of the railway. And what a railway The
Great Western Railway, was designed and
constructed by one Isambard Kingdom- Brunel.
For it is here on the South West coast at Dawlish; that the Ingenuity
of the great engineer can truly be seen.
The railway hugs the contours of the coast, and is very very adjacent
to
the sea indeed. Many leaned people of the era shook their heads in
disbelief, at
this apparent madness, and predicted the line would soon be swept away
by the sea. So why did Brunel build this stretch of the line so close
to the sea?. Well for two very important, and obvious reasons.
Dawlish is
surrounded by large headlands and to tunnel through them would be
costly, both in time and money. Two very good reasons, I think you
will
agree. However Brunel met opposition from locals, who realized that
what Brunel intended would deprive them of a beach to bath on. So the
great engineer was forced by public opinion, to build 5 tunnels on this
stretch of the
line, Today the line is still in use as the main artery in to the West
Country. Yes over 100, years later the line is still as good as the day
Brunel constructed it. It stands proud as both, a testimony and
vindication of Isambard Kingdom-Brunel. And is a visible reminder to
all the skeptics who doubted the world's greatest engineer. I often
traveled this line as a young soldier returning to my base in Plymouth.
And believe me it can be most invigorating, and enthralling.
What does Dawlish have to offer today? Its a lively pretty resort on
the South Devon coast, situated at the mouth of the River Exe. The Town
offers
plenty of various types of shops, lively pubs, restaurants, clubs,
cinemas,
theaters, etc. possibly the nicest beach in my opinion, is Coryton
Cove; a
very secluded beach of soft sand, with the main railway line behind the
beach. and high cliffs on the sides providing not only sheltered, but
safe bathing
for
all. Rock pools rich with sea life abound. Dawlish Town beach is a
peaceful
haven located a short walk from the town center. One can
treat ones-self and the family to a cruise of the
South Devon coast, or hire a boat for a spot of sea angling. Not far
away you will find Dawlish Warren: which boasts a blue flag beach with
miles of golden sand,
experienced lifeguards, and a myriad of water sports, you can even hire
a jet ski if you are feeling adventurous enough, a large grassed picnic
area, and further inland, sand dunes, ideal for sheltering if
the
wind gets up. There are plenty of cafés to cater for the
holiday maker, a
mini golf course, and amusements, the world renowned; Dawlish Warren
National Nature Reserve. The wildlife reserve is the place for lovers
of nature, wildlife and walkers. and of course the famous South West
Coastal Path, is near by, more
information about this spectacular walk can be gleaned from the link on
right of screen
So as one can clearly see with all Dawlish, and Dawlish Warren, have to
offer they are indeed the ideal holiday location for both
adults, and children.
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